Lone Star visit with the Korb Family

Ah, Texas. There’s something uniquely special about this state. I always make a point to take my time getting here, wrapping up everything east of the Mississippi and all the states directly north of Texas first. Once we fly into the Lone Star State, we know we’ll be here for a while—eight million stops, to be precise.

Entering through Oklahoma, we catch a faint view of the lit-up Dallas skyline. Texas feels almost like a country of its own. Everything is bigger here, and they’re right about that! I see some of the biggest Christmas trees I’ve ever come across, enormous houses, and industrial-sized Christmas lights.

There are two neighbors I pass by every year whose houses I can spot from 30 miles away. They’re in a “war of Christmas lights” that truly rivals Clark Griswold. I can’t imagine their electric bill.

This year, I’m particularly excited to visit the Korbs again—a lively bunch of four kids all under the age of twelve. I first met this family when Landon was born in Pennsylvania. Over the years, they moved to Iowa, added a few more kids, and then settled in Texas. I’m glad the elves keep such good records of where families move—I’d never have the time to keep track of everything!

Just north of Dallas, I see their roof and the reindeer stick the landing. I pause for a moment, remembering Andy and Alyssa—the parents—when they were kids themselves, thirty years ago. Andy was always musical; he loved to sing and put on a show. Alyssa had a passion for baking, whipping up the best cakes and the most unforgettable cookies. These two grew up in Pennsylvania, met seventeen years ago, and they never guessed they’d end up with such a lively, talented bunch of kids. I love them.

Landon, the oldest, takes his role seriously, shepherding his siblings—Harper, Oliver, and Elliot. He’s growing into a fine musician, especially with the piano, and he tinkers with other instruments too. His dedication and passion shine through every note he plays. Keep working at it, Buddy.

Harper, the only girl, is growing up so quickly. She loves to sing and dance, and she’s working hard to follow her dreams of becoming a singer—just like her dad. I believe there’s a song in her that the world is waiting to hear.

Then there’s Oliver, the soccer star. He’s a great teammate and has a natural talent for the sport. I saw him in his last game of the season. It was tied in the second half, and Oliver received a perfect pass from one of his best friends. With precise timing, he curved the ball just inside the post to score the winning goal—a thing of beauty. The joy on his face was unforgettable. But beyond soccer, Oliver has a gift for creating art, bringing pictures of all shapes and sizes to life.

Last but not least, there’s Elliot, the youngest, who just finished preschool. At three years old, he’s still figuring out his talents. But I can see into his heart—Elliot is a thinker, always observing the world around him. He has so much he wants to say, even if he’s still learning to articulate it. I wouldn’t be surprised if he grows up to write a book or even become a songwriter. There’s a special magic in this one.

Enough reminiscing… I jump off the sleigh and, in seconds, I’m in their living room. We’ve left all sorts of gifts for them this year: puzzles, games, Hot Wheels, new soccer balls, a special microphone for Harper, and piano music for Landon to keep him inspired.

These kids are such a musical crew; maybe one day, they’ll be a band.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spot a plate of their mom’s cookies waiting by the tree. Mmm, thank you, Alyssa…

I wink, and poof, I’m back on the roof. Climbing into the sleigh, I say a quick prayer for the Korbs to have an abundant year.

Next up is Dallas-Fort Worth—it’ll take a while. Then we’ll head southeast, following Route 45 toward Houston. I’m looking forward to visiting twin sisters Camila and Sofia when we get there…

“All right, Comet, we’re off to the next stop.”

It’s kids like Landon, Harper, Oliver, and Elliot who remind me why I do what I do. With their dreams, talents, and boundless energy, they’re each a light in this world. And Santa believes in them, just as I believed in their parents when they were young. Keep dreaming big, Korb family—you’re part of the magic that keeps Christmas alive.